Quick Water Pump Question - Merc 260

[951prerun]

Is there a rubber shaft seal that goes in top of the water pump housing? Maybe between the inner metal case and the top plastic housing? (it looks like there is room there for something but nothing in there) or even over the shaft and on top of the water housing before the lower goes back on?

I looked at the parts schematic but didn't see anything.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Eagle One]

No seal for the drive shaft in the upper housing. Just a "slinger" which is a thick rubber washer that fits over the shaft and pushes down to the top of the pump housing that's about 1/4 inch thick.

[951prerun]

No seal for the drive shaft in the upper housing. Just a "slinger" which is a thick rubber washer that fits over the shaft and pushes down to the top of the pump housing that's about 1/4 inch thick.

Great thanks for the info. Is there a part number for that piece? Do I absolutely need it?

[Eagle One]

It's mainly to prevent water from spraying up the shaft. Shows to be part of the water pump kit or gasket kit.